Classic Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a buttery tomato sauce. This recipe offers an authentic taste experience that will transport your senses straight to the streets of Delhi without leaving the comfort of your home.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Marination:
- Combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, ground cumin, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook until all sides are browned, about 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce:
- In the same pan, heat the remaining oil or ghee.
- Add onions and cook until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, along with any juices that have accumulated.
- Add butter and heavy cream, stirring until well combined.
- Cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt to taste.
Serving:
- Ladle the butter chicken into a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Enjoying this classic Butter Chicken recipe will provide you with a delectable culinary journey that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The perfect balance of spices and creaminess makes it a favorite for many around the world.